Archive for the ‘photo ID’ category

There are some tried and true expressions which describe the confusion which takes place during battle. The “fog of war” and the “heat of battle” are two which are often used when decisions are made which seem to have overlooked what might be obvious after the battle.

Major sports teams today, the coach or manager has now gotten a wide range of subordinate coaches (like hitting or pitching in baseball or offensive and defensive coordinators in football) to run the minute by minute game activities while the “coach” forgets the details and tries to see “the big picture”.

In a strange way the GOP has gotten itself caught up in the “fog of war” and seems to have no one looking at the big picture. With 15 or so candidates running for the Presidential nomination, a national committee (RPNC) complicit, believes that survival (and subsequently winning the White House) lies only in grasping headlines in the 7/24 news cycle. For unexplained reasons, the GOP and the candidates have turned to making one divisive statement after another. Why?

From “repeal Obamacare” to “border security” to “voting fraud and photo ID” to “no expansion of Medicaid”, to “no Syrian refugees” and to “defund Planned Parenthood, the GOP crowd have chosen wedge issues, popular with their extreme base, to cultivate an American atmosphere of hate and divisiveness.

Sadly each of these issues could have been addressed with a compassionate and inclusive criticism coupled with proposals on how to correct. For example, the GOP could have said “we strongly support making health insurance available to all Americans regardless of age, health, or means and here is a more comprehensive and effective proposal than Obamacare”. Or, “border security especially with Mexico is a national concern. Here is our proposal for ensuring any (or X numbers of) Mexican can come to the US with work papers so they can respond to employment openings. US employers who hire undocumented workers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent”. Or, “Planned Parenthood provides necessary services, especially for those poorer Americans, and contributes significantly to abortion reduction through its sex education classes. Planned Parenthood may have strayed over the line at some clinics with a policy of selling fetal parts to research institutes. We seek a thorough investigation and policy changes if necessary in Planned Parenthood practices”.

Of course none of this inclusiveness has come from GOP candidates or sources. It appears they do not see it in their best interest. Instead they prefer to throw gasoline on a fire of public misunderstanding… in a seemingly coordinated manner.

Over the weekend in Colorado Springs an unintended consequence emerged. A mentally unstable individual, described in the press as a drifter and trouble maker, entered a Planned Parenthood clinic and killed three people, none of them healthcare providers. Hmmm.

The US has its share of mentally challenged people. The 7/24 talk shows are bad enough in whipping up division (with sparse or no data). When a national political party seemingly coordinates messages of divisiveness in pursuit of gaining power we should worry whether world history is repeating itself.

In November, Pennsylvania will hold its Governor’s election along with the mid-term Congressional Representative’s race. Most of the attention, however, is focused upon the Governor’s job. Will incumbent Republican Tom Corbett retain his position or will Democrat challenger Tom Wolf prevail?

If polls are any indication, Corbett ought to be looking for his next job. I wonder why?

Try four simple positions.

Education. In 2010, Pennsylvania was still in the throws of recession and tax revenues had fallen. On top of lower tax revenues, a one time “Federal stimulus” grant had not been replaced so balancing the Pennsylvania State budget would require new or increased taxes. Corbett’s campaign pledge of “no new taxes” (sound familiar) meant he would need to create a budget on less money than his predecessor. Hmmm. Result: cuts of over $1 billion in State aid to education.

Voting Rights. Following a GOP nationwide script, with the Governor’s support, the Republican controlled legislature passed a “voter photo ID” law aimed at guarding against voter fraud. Despite the fact that there were no instances of voter fraud, the new law required Pennsylvanians to present an authorized photo ID in order to vote. The Governor maintained his support claiming the law was “constitutional” rather than necessary.

Gay Rights. Again following a conservative national campaign, the Governor staked out his position in opposition to gay marriage. He supported the State’s ban on same sex marriage providing a familiar argument that same sex marriage was like the marriage of a brother and sister. Subsequently Courts struck down the Pennsylvania law.

Healthcare. Oh, and yes once again like other GOP Governors, Corbett refused to expand Pennsylvania’s Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The usual reasons were provided (too costly, there was a better way). To date, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid roles have not been expanded despite the demographic need.

With the election a little over a month away, Governor Corbett is grasping at campaign positions that might revive his chances. His opponent is a little known business executive who has simply promised to do better. Corbett’s ploy is “tell us how”.

The truth of the matter is there is no evidence that Wolf could or would be a better Governor. Corbett, however, chose some very short sighted goals and voters have concluded he is a mean spirited person.

For sure Healthcare and Education are complicated issues. Opening the checkbook and simply doling out money may not be the right answer. Turning ones back and not sincerely trying to find genuine compromise makes for an uncomfortable bed to sleep in.

Voter Photo ID and opposition to gay marriage are, on the other hand, straight forward unkind and discriminatory positions. In a closely divided red-blue State, it should be no surprise that swing voters will pile on the Wolf bandwagon.

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